Using thoracic paravertebral block anesthesia for breast cancer surgery

Thoracic Paravertebral Block Anesthesia for Breast Cancer Surgery: Single-Injection Versus Multiple Injections. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal · NCT05711030

This study is testing whether a single injection of anesthesia in the back can help people having breast cancer surgery feel less pain and have better results compared to the usual method of multiple injections.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorCiusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montréal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT05711030 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a single-injection thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) performed under ultrasound guidance for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery without axillary node dissection. The research compares this method to the traditional approach of using multiple injections for anesthesia. The goal is to determine if the single-injection technique is as effective as multiple injections in managing pain and improving patient outcomes during and after surgery. The study builds on previous findings that suggest TPVB can reduce post-operative complications and enhance patient satisfaction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women over 18 years old with ASA status I-III, undergoing partial or total mastectomies without axillary lymph node dissection.

Not a fit: Patients with a BMI over 35, severe cardiovascular disease, or those unable to communicate with investigators may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management and reduced recovery times for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that thoracic paravertebral blocks can effectively reduce post-operative complications, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients \> 18 years old with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) status I-III, BMI\<35, undergoing partial or total mastectomies without axillary lymph node dissection

Exclusion Criteria:

* \< 18 years old
* Body mass index (BMI) \> 35
* Body weight under 50 kg
* Obstructive sleep apnea (moderate to severe)
* Unable to communicate with the investigators
* Receiving anticoagulation or experiencing any bleeding disorder
* Known allergy to local anesthetics, fentanyl or hydromorphone
* Active infection at injection sites
* Preexisting neurological deficit or psychiatric illness
* Severe cardiovascular disease
* Liver failure
* Renal failure (estimated glomerular filtration rate \<15 mL/ min/1.73 m2)
* Pregnancy
* Arrhythmia (NOL monitoring cannot be used reliably)
* Technical inability to proceed with the blocks
* History of chronic pain with daily opioid use during the 3 months before surgery
* Patient refusal

Where this trial is running

Montréal, Quebec

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast NeoplasmsBreast Neoplasm FemaleCancer, BreastBreast Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.